Interview Under Fire Podcast

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We welcome one of the more prolific drummers in modern death metal, Steve Shalaty of Immolation, onto IUF. The new album, “Acts Of God”, may just be the band's best work to date. Steve sits with us to talk about the album's production process from day one, which got to a point where he would be working on a single track for 6 months. Steve also talks about being a fan of Immolation before he joined them in 2003, listening to tape decks from the bands previous records from the early to mid 90s. He has a lot to be grateful for while drumming for a death metal favorite that seems to be aging like fine wine. “Acts Of God” not only showcases each of Steve's bandmates' talents, but also his own. From themes, to the songwriting, and the album art - “Acts Of God” is quite the release to kick off 2022 with, as it will please many death metal fanatics out there. Tune in now and be sure to buy and stream the new record from Immolation, unleashing February 18 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Immolation, visit: https://immolation-store.com/, https://www.facebook.com/immolation, and https://www.instagram.com/immolation_band/

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There's a storm brewing out in the eastern regions of Lyon, France. Enter the black metal avant-garde outfit named Celeste, who are finally getting the worldwide recognition they have deserved for the last decade or so. Guitarist Guillaume Rieth of Celeste is our guest today as he describes that “storm” being a culmination of playing over 500 shows around the world while releasing 5 albums since 2005. The new and 6th album, titled “Assassine(s)”, is also the band's first with Nuclear Blast Records. Guillaume talks about the new found relationship with NB and the excitement of starting this new chapter in the band's music career. One interesting fact about Celeste lies within the compositions of their songs, which are all sung in their native language of French. It's an element of their songwriting that makes them stand out from the rest, and Guillaume mentions how it gives the songs that much more depth and meaning on the delivery. France continues to deliver more and more talent in the world of heavy metal, and Celeste is one you will not want to overlook. Tune in now to this episode and be sure to buy and stream “Assassine(s)”, out now worldwide via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Celeste, visit: https://www.nuclearblast.com/eu/band/celeste, https://www.facebook.com/celesteband, and https://www.instagram.com/celeste_band/

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Tapping into other dimensions of a musician's qualities is a beautiful thing, as is the case with vocalist Tom Englund and pianist Vikram Shankar. The two have formed one of the more melodic and cinematic collaborations in recent memory, called Silent Skies. Originally a side project, and now with two full length releases under their arsenal, this is starting to form a permanent calling. We get the opportunity to chat with Vikram Shankar to ask him about the relationship and chemistry he has built with his bandmate Tom. And to the wider metal audience, Tom Englund is vastly known for his work with power metal band Evergrey – and the story about Tom finding Vikram through his majestic compositions is quite the tale for any music fan. Silent Skies is full of melancholic and ethereal atmospheres, with haunting structures and organic creations. Vikram talks to us about how the sound they have created has come a long way, and with Tom's striking vocals only adds to that magic. Vikram and Tom may have come from different musical backgrounds, but putting the two minds together has created something that both of them had an ambition for, and let's put it this way - it's a very good thing. Silent Skies is an experience for everyone. Tune in now as we go deep into the new record from Silent Skies, titled “Nectar”. The highly-anticipated album is out now worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Silent Skies, visit: https://silentskiessweden.bandcamp.com/, https://www.facebook.com/silentskiesband/, and https://www.instagram.com/silent_skie_s/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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On this episode of Interview Under Fire, we welcome singer and musician Patrick Cortes aka Animal Weapon. Performing around Raleigh, NC since 2011, Animal Weapon has hit the ground running, winning a Webby Award for Best Sound Design/Music Score for his musical stylings on the hit podcast, Undisclosed. Cortes released the lead single “Deserve” from his upcoming album (dropping in early 2022) in November. With his heartfelt honesty, ambient sound, and armed with bottled lyrical genius from formative years, Patrick Cortes and Animal Weapon have found a way to embody universal emotions in a way that just ring true and clear. 

With his melodic musings and genuine talent, Cortes proves you can be a musician with a pulse on the times. Look for his newest album to drop soon and make sure you check him out. 

Stay connected with Animal Weapon:

https://animalweapon.com

https://instagram.com/animalweapon?utm_medium=copy_link

https://www.facebook.com/animalweapon 

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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On this episode of Interview Under Fire, we welcome frontman Dakota Sean, from the up-and-coming hard rock band,  Another Day Dawns. Hailing from Lehighton, Pennsylvania, this high-energy group has generated quite a bit of buzz as their prolific songwriting and talent continue to cultivate a strong and loyal fan base. Another Day Dawns signed with the M7 Booking Agency in 2017 and has earned opening slots playing alongside artists such as Fuel, Avatar, Sammy Hagar, Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd, Bad Flower, Trapt, Breaking Ben, 5 Finger Deathpunch, Daughtry, and BuckCherry. 

But where did it all start? Was music in their genes from the beginning or was it a talent discovered later in life? And where exactly does Dakota Sean see the band in the future? Tune in to hear his take on it all and give them a follow because you won’t want to sleep on this band. 


Stay connected with Another Day Dawns visit: https://www.anotherdaydawns.com
 https://www.facebook.com/AnotherDayDawns, and
https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaydawns

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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Out in the Northern lands of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the summers are long and warm; The winters are frigid, snowy, and windy. But one thing staying at a constant pace, is the hardcore music tradition of Comeback Kid. 21 years of metallic moshing anthems and the hits just keep on coming – we are joined by frontman Andrew Neufeld as he takes us through his journey up to the release of the bands newest offering, “Heavy Steps”. Their 7th album and possibly their most complete record to date, “Heavy Steps” is filled with hardcore and punk elements alongside a modern twist of everything they are. Andrew also describes how the band continued to push not only their own musical boundaries, but the genre as a whole, resulting in each member bettering themselves as musicians. Their chemistry is tight, ceaseless, and refined. Aside from the new album, we also ask Andrew about looking back on the band's inception and the countless amounts of shows and personal experiences which were experienced, and while it's important to acknowledge the past successes of Comeback Kid, Andrew is always looking forward. “Heavy Steps” is not only the newest chapter of the band, but an experience that each listener can take in to discover the journey Comeback Kid has trekked during 2 decades of their 
hardcore evolution. It's in their name. The 5-piece outfit are back, and ready to take on the new year and future with a Heavy goal in mind: to headbang. “Heavy Steps” is out now worldwide via Nuclear Blast Records.

Stay connected with Comeback Kid, visit: https://www.comeback-kid.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Comeback.Kid, and https://www.instagram.com/comebackkid_hc/

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It's been a long road since “The Monroe Mansion” days. New York-based rock group The Velvicks are kicking off the new year in rising fashion. Frontman Vick Nader talks about his musical upbringings in his native country in Brazil, and how specific moments on picking up his first guitar paved the way for him as an artist. The journey's been a wild one, and Vick describes his everlasting love for the music, and how the pandemic was a time for him and his bandmates to dig deep. Their debut EP, titled “Run” was released during these times and since then, The Velvicks have caught the attention of many outlets across the world such as Brooklyn Vegan, Earmilk, and MXDWN. Enter 2022, and The Velvicks are back with one of the more contemporary sounds of garage rock and roll that one can ever witness. Almost as if we are seeing a rebirth of the 90s sounds. Vick talks about the writing processes that went behind the new singles “LA” and “Cha Cha Cha,” and how they can serve as a sneak peek into what's to come for their highly-anticipated debut album. Plenty of surprises in store for the year and Vick Nader could not be more ready for the spotlight. Tune in now to our conversation with Vick from The Velvicks, and be sure to stay on the lookout for new music from this up-and-coming rock quartet.

Stay connected with The Velvicks, visit: https://thevelvicks.com/, https://www.facebook.com/thevelvicks/, and https://www.instagram.com/thevelvicks/

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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“Pursue Possibility.” That's what it's all about. She's a singer-songwriter, an activist, and an attorney. LA-based alt pop artist Calista Wu, also known as CaliStar, has been hitting the ground running within these last 2 years. We get the chance to sit with this talented rising star to talk about the trials and tribulations throughout her timeline. Inside this wholehearted interview, Calista takes us through the learning experiences that landed her in practicing law, and while studying many facets in that profession, it was always about the music. The passionate fire inside of Calista seemed to have kept burning as the years went by - until the newest ember manifested the person you see before you today. After law, she started her own multi-platform entertainment company called Cali Star Entertainment LLC in September of 2020, which gives artists like herself a chance to pursue their dreams. At a time like today, giving others a chance to grasp their passion is a high level of inspiration, and Calista talks about her goals within this company and how it can and will serve as a representation of who she is. On top of all of this, being an activist to speak for the Asian-American community is an important path to place. Did we also mention that it's always about the music? Her new singles “Can't Sleep” and “Ethereal Lover” are out now everywhere on all music platforms, and she's giving the genre of alt pop a refined sound that will be sure to make waves across the music realm. Tune in now and keep an eye out for more exciting material from an individual who pursues all possibilities.

Stay connected with CaliStar, visit: https://www.calistarentertainment.com/, https://www.instagram.com/caliwu/, and https://www.facebook.com/calistarmusic

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/

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It's fate. When Chris Sullivan of Wolftooth got the call about signing with the highly-lauded record label of Napalm Records, he didn't believe it then. Let us be clear, he doesn't even believe it now. It's evidence of the hard work he and his bandmates have been through leading up to the release of the new album titled “Blood & Iron”. This also serves as the quartet's 3rd record, and dare we say, their finest work within the realm of doom and stoner metal. Hailing from the city of Richmond, Indiana, Chris took the time to sit with IUF recently to dive into the band's story-line as well as the production processes of the new record. Chris also talks about his love for motorcycles, which include his own motorcycle seat company. Though he's not a full-time musician, taking part in different passions have provided a level of creativity and comfort into his music. Ending 2021 on high note is the goal, and Chris and company have done that. Now entering 2022, Wolftooth are ready to take the world by storm. It's an exciting time for Wolftooth, join them on this journey and tune in to our episode with Chris now - “Blood & Iron” is out now worldwide via Napalm Records.

Stay connected with Wolftooth, visit: https://wolftoothmetal.com/, https://www.instagram.com/wolftoothmetal/, and https://www.facebook.com/wolftoothmetal

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She's “Ready To Burn” here in 2022. The multi-talented Toronto-based singer-songwriter Saya is our special guest today. From her humble beginnings in 2016, she has since manifested 2 EPs, all the while being a part of a major label. In addition to music, Saya has also displayed a passion for art, fashion, and film. In our in-depth discussion, we get the chance to sit with Saya to unravel her upbringings that have shaped her into who she is today. Her love for music was a seed planted within her from the start, and she has been grateful for every opportunity to unveil her talents to the world. But it's not just about the music, Saya now works independently and she could not be more proud and humbled by her current journey. Stepping into the industry from years back has taught many lessons that she takes with her today, and now with no label sitting alongside her, there is a sense of freedom to write what she wants from the heart. There was a time within the 6 year span where she stepped away from the scene to reevaluate what she wanted out of this, and it was a test to her integrity. Saya is here to prove to not only the world, but to herself on what she is about. It all culminates into her highly-anticipated new EP, titled “Ready To Burn”. The genre of dark pop has a new meaning, let Saya guide you through that experience in 2022. Tune in now with our conversation with this talented artist, and be sure to buy and stream Saya's new album “Ready To Burn”, due out in the new year.

Stay connected with Saya, visit: https://www.facebook.com/sayaslaya, https://www.instagram.com/sayaslaya/, and https://soundcloud.com/sayaslaya

Stay connected with IUF, visit: https://interviewunderfire.com/